In-depth reviews

Rolls-Royce Phantom review - Engines, performance and drive

Superb ride quality, a hushed, luxurious cabin and a near silent V12 powerhouse make the Phantom driving experience unique

Overall Auto Express Rating

5.0 out of 5

Engines, performance and drive Rating

4.7 out of 5

Price
£417,590 to £479,390
Find your Rolls-Royce Phantom
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Advertisement

The Rolls-Royce Phantom was engineered to offer the most comfortable and refined driving experience of any car on sale. As a result of this focus, the Phantom’s greatest strength is a superb level of refinement and comfort, which best complements a somewhat stately driving style.

On top of the usual on-board sensors that allow the suspension to independently correct the dampers to deal with road imperfections, the Phantom deploys a camera system called Flagbearer that can ‘read’ the road surface ahead at speeds of up to 60mph. It pre-sets the dampers to optimise efficiency over bumps, before the car even meets them.

Meanwhile, the Phantom’s passengers are cossetted in a whisper-quiet cabin that offers truly remarkable refinement, thanks to a substantial increase in sound-deadening material. The specially developed tyres have foam inside them to reduce road roar and the engine is barely audible, too. 

Given the superlative comfort on offer, it’s all the more impressive that the Phantom can display remarkable composure when asked to proceed at speed, even if one could never call it sporty. It feels wieldy though, in spite of its size. Excellent body control, impressive grip from the front tyres and the unique ‘finger-tip’ feel of the big steering wheel rim mean the driver can place the Phantom confidently when driving with verve on more challenging roads. 

Performance is mighty yet effortless, with no need to rev the engine to access a fabulous whoosh of acceleration, while the eight-speed auto transmission changes gears almost imperceptibly to heighten the ‘other-worldliness’ of the Rolls-Royce flagship’s on-road prowess.

Engines

The big 6.75-litre V12 engine under the Phantom’s prominent bonnet is a revised version of the 6.6-litre unit fitted to the smaller Rolls-Royce Ghost. It makes the same 536bhp as in the Ghost, along with a humungous 900Nm of torque delivered from just 1,700rpm. It’s enough to accelerate the Phantom from 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds, though top speed is limited to a very dignified 155mph.

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    4dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • Price
    £374,400

Most Economical

  • Name
    4dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • Price
    £374,400

Fastest

  • Name
    4dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • Price
    £374,400

Most Popular

Deal of the Day: Spacious Skoda Superb is a peerless estate for £223 a month
Skoda Superb Estate - front tracking
News

Deal of the Day: Spacious Skoda Superb is a peerless estate for £223 a month

The Superb is one of our favourite estates and our Deal of the Day for Monday 4 December
4 Dec 2023
‘Forget leasing a car, a cut-price van should be your next everyday vehicle’
Opinion - Fiat Scudo
Opinion

‘Forget leasing a car, a cut-price van should be your next everyday vehicle’

With some huge savings to be had, Mike Rutherford thinks a van could be the perfect vehicle
3 Dec 2023
New Hyundai i20 facelift 2023 review: subtle updates for an already stylish supermini
Hyundai i20 - front tracking
Road tests

New Hyundai i20 facelift 2023 review: subtle updates for an already stylish supermini

Hyundai has given the i20 a series of mid-life updates, but you might struggle to notice some of them
5 Dec 2023